Great British spud varieties have had their chips
SCIENTISTS are working to create new types of potatoes because Maris Pipers and King Edwards could soon be impossible to grow. Spuds that are popular because of their taste and versatility are being ravaged by disease. Scientists say the plants are vulnerable because they have no genetic variation whereas blight can evolve to defeat a pesticide. They are a replica of each other and of the previous year’s crop.
Now the Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh, and the James Hutton Institute in Dundee, are crossing modern varieties with wild ancestors from South and Central America. They aim to create sustainable ways of growing potatoes without the need for stronger pesticides. The new creations will be sent to taste panels to ensure they will be popular with customers.
Max Coleman, a potato scientist at the Royal Botanic Garden, said: “People are familiar with King Edward potatoes and like them but don’t realise they’re no longer a viable crop.
“We can guarantee that in 20 years’ time we won’t be growing Maris Piper because they won’t be viable. Even now King Edward is one you don’t see so much. But they have this reputation so people still want them. It’s disappearing because of the disease problem we face.”
Scotland is a major producer of potatoes for eating, growing on for future crops. Wild varieties have a resistance to blight but often fail to resemble potatoes customers are used to as they can appear knobbly or have different coloured flesh.
THE nation’s favourite spuds are under threat. King Edwards are about to be deposed; Maris Pipers have had their chips, scientists warn.
Now boffins are going back to their roots – or at least the tubers of their ancestors from South America – to help cross-breed disease-resistant hybrids.
So, will they make monster mash?